Symantec Hosted Services White Paper Sample

Symantec Hosted Services hosted IM Security Services (IMSS) is an IM security solution designed specifically for businesses that see the value in IM, but want to eliminate some of the risks associated with public IM services (such as Yahoo Mail, AOL AIM and Microsoft’s Live Messenger). IMSS provides advanced functionality such as content control, malicious link blocking and logging of all IM conversations. These logs can then be imported into an archive system for quick and easy retrieval in the event of legal disclosure requirements.

The legal risks associated with uncontrolled IM use need to be taken seriously by organizations of all sizes. Taking preventive measures is better than applying a cure after the fact. Formulating company policy on IM use is essential, but it cannot protect an organization to the same extent as a dedicated IM security service, such as IMSS. IMSS proactively prevents wrongdoing by controlling who uses IM and how they use it. The fact that some kind of monitoring is in place will, in many cases, provide a defense against actions brought on as a result of use of public IM systems.